HVAC Multi-Zone Management Screen for Unified Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems require users to navigate through multiple sub-menus or screens to adjust operational parameters for each zone, making it cumbersome to control multiple zones simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a user interface that features a single zone management screen allowing users to select and adjust temperature set points and operating modes for multiple zones without navigating through separate sub-menus, using a controller to receive inputs and display zone operating information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through multiple sub-menus or screens to adjust operational parameters for each zone, then each zone can be controlled individually, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple zone control interfaces into a single unified display screen that shows all zones simultaneously. This merging of previously separate control screens allows users to access and adjust multiple zones without navigating through sub-menus, directly resolving the contradiction by improving ease of operation while eliminating navigation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a sequential, multi-screen navigation approach to a parallel, single-screen overview by adding a spatial dimension to the interface. All zones are displayed together in one view, allowing users to select and control any zone immediately without temporal loss to navigation, thus resolving the time versus ease of operation contradiction
2Productivity
If a single screen displays all zones, then control efficiency improves, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into distinct, modular zone representations that can be individually selected and controlled. Each zone is presented as a separate controllable unit within the unified screen, allowing efficient management of multiple zones while maintaining interface simplicity through clear visual separation and organized layout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control interface that handles multiple zones with a single set of controls. The same control mechanisms work for all zones, eliminating the need for zone-specific navigation while maintaining simplicity. This multi-functional approach improves productivity without proportionally increasing interface complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a user interface configured to display a zone management screen having a first selectable representation of a first zone of the HVAC system including a first temperature set point and a first operating mode of the first zone, and a second selectable representation of a second zone of the HVAC system having a second temperature set point and a second operating mode of the second zone. The control system further includes a controller configured to receive a first input via the zone management screen to adjust the first temperature set point or to adjust the second temperature set point, and receive a second input via the zone management screen to adjust the first operating mode or to adjust the second operating mode.